A trusty pickup truck or classic muscle car is like old leather — rugged and comfortable. However, no vehicle is unbreakable, especially when you rely on it every day. Make sure you’re ready for the unexpected with an emergency car kit. What should you pack?
Emergency Car Kit Essentials for Unexpected Breakdowns
Whether you spend weekends hunting or commute to work in the country, car emergency kits can save you major headaches.
1. Duct Tape
Man’s true best friend — duct tape — is one of the best tools for roadside emergencies. This strong tape is perfect for short-term vehicle fixes:
- Stop windshield cracks from getting bigger
- Keep your bumper on
- Secure a broken side mirror
- Prevent a loose hood latch from flying open
The idea is to keep your car operational enough to get back to your garage or a mechanic. In a pinch, duct tape can also help with splints, bandages and other injury situations.
2. Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables
We recommend 25-foot jumper cables so you have plenty of room to reach the other vehicle. Choose a dependable 4-gauge cable, especially if you have a V8. Jagged teeth are a plus.
3. Flashlight and Batteries
You can’t always count on your vehicle’s headlights in an emergency. A flashlight helps with walking to get gas at night or checking for leaks.
4. Mobile Device Charger
You’re a busy guy, so the sooner you get car problems fixed, the better. Always keep a smartphone charger in your vehicle. That way, you can call friends or a tow truck and get back on the road ASAP.
5. Essential Tool Set
Check your owner’s manual to see which bolt sizes your car uses for key parts. Make a custom set with:
- A hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Socket wrenches
- Wrenches
- Hex keys
Always include a 3/8-inch socket, which is one of the most common sizes.
6. High-Quality Jack, Wheel Wrench, Tire Repair Kit and Spare Tire
An emergency car kit for tire repairs can help you out of a jam. These kits don’t work for sidewall damage and blown tires, though. Make sure your spare tire is always properly inflated and accessible.
Invest in a solid jack, not the cheap model that came with your car. When you’re trying to change a tire in tough road conditions, you want something strong to keep you safe.
Car Emergency Kits for Adventure Lovers
If you regularly spend time in the wilderness, your vehicle’s emergency kit needs to include survival items. The same goes for regions where highways are long and lonely — think Wyoming, Montana, Northern Minnesota, New Mexico and Nebraska.
7. Detailed Road Maps
The GPS on your phone works great — until it doesn’t. Considering how cheap a good road map is, it’s worth keeping one in your car emergency kit. Come rain, snow or road construction, you can get where you need to go by car or on foot.
8. First Aid Kit
If you get into a car crash in the middle of nowhere, a first aid kit can potentially save your life. Choose a kit with:
- Bandages
- Hand sanitizer or isopropyl alcohol
- Antibiotic cream
- Iodine
- Tweezers
Over-the-counter painkillers can be helpful for staying in control of an emergency.
9. Drinking Water
If possible, keep 3 gallons of water in your car per normal passenger. You need to drink a gallon a day, and distilled drinking water can also help with radiator overheating.
10. Nutritious, Nonperishable Food
Easy options for car emergency kits include beef jerky, trail mix, nuts and granola bars. If you have space, toss in baked beans, beef stew or other canned proteins.
Winter Weather Car Kit
If you live in a state with icy winters and blizzards, carry a larger car emergency kit than normal. Don’t underestimate winter dangers. Like your army buddies always say: “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”
11. Warm Blanket
When your car doesn’t start and you’re trapped in a snowstorm, you need insulation. Plus, if your significant other is along for the ride, a little frisky snuggling can help you, um…conserve body heat.
12. Thermal Underwear
Thermal underwear is so light and compact that every vehicle owner in the Northern U.S. should have a pair for winter emergencies. Bonus points for gloves and hats.
13. Shovel
A heavy-duty shovel can get you out of seemingly impossible situations, such as large drifts. At the very least, you can keep your car’s engine clear of snow and ice to stay warm.
14. Flares
Emergency flares aren’t just for helping emergency personnel locate you. They’re mainly for warning other drivers that your vehicle is there when visibility is poor. That way, cars are less likely to slide into you on the side of the road.
15. Cat Litter or Sand
Make your own road salt for traction. Some cat litter can be the difference between staying stuck and getting home safely.
Emergency Car Kit for Road Trips
Are you a modern explorer with a Jeep Wrangler instead of a horse? Keep a go bag in your car for those times when you get the urge to travel. Forget about going home to pack; just pick a destination and crank the radio.
16. Spare Clothes
Pack one set of comfortable clothes that work great in any weather, like carpenter pants and a cotton shirt. Extra pockets are popular with backpackers everywhere.
17. Beard Care Supplies
No one can resist the playful-yet-hardcore look of a sleek beard. Keep your beard in great shape on the road with a travel kit:
- Beard oil
- Conditioner
- Beard comb
- Butter or balm (in winter)
Some guys keep a spare trimmer in their travel case, while others like that “wild man” look on vacation.
18. Deodorant and Personal Care Items
Smelling great is always the right choice. It’s your call whether to pack a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and similar items. It’s fairly easy to find these essentials at gas stations or stores.
Build Your Ideal Emergency Car Kit
There’s no one-size-fits-all emergency car kit. The goal is to have everything you need to stay safe and healthy until you can get back to civilization. For more tips on adventuring, check out our blog.